Wipaire debuts LSA float

OSHKOSH — Wipaire rolled out its new Wipline 1450 amphibious float on opening day at AirVenture 2012. The float will be approved under ASTM standards for light-sport aircraft and eventually certified under TSO for CAR 3 and Part 23 installations.

“We have invited a number of LSA manufacturers to take a look at the float,” said Charlie Wiplinger, Wipaire President. “We’re working up some attractive incentives to make it easy for the manufacturers to give them a try.”

The floats are made of aluminum, but rivets on the sides of the floats are cleverly hidden. Including rigging, the floats are expected to weigh 210-225 pounds. The Wipline 1450 will also be offered as a straight seaplane float. Prices are $30,000 (amphib) and $23,000 (straight).